Today we’d like to take a moment to applaud the parents who despite many challenges, did they best they could and did right by their kids. We asked folks to share stories of what they feel their parents got right and have shared highlights below.

Darena Mills

What my parents did right was instilling in me discipline, faith, and a sense of purpose. They led by example — working hard, honoring their commitments, and never making excuses. They taught me to value education, but also to pursue my passions unapologetically.

They encouraged me to dream big, but reminded me that dreams only work if you do. That foundation is why I can face challenges in business with resilience and why I invest in my growth without waiting for someone else to open the door for me.” Read more>>

Justace Travis Lee

My parents showed me both the benefits and drawbacks of hard work
I learned it’s not always payday
Sometimes it’s Monday
You gotta put your head down and get to Friday
My mother was a Hired maid for a cleaning company worked hard cleaned hardwood floors on her knees, But one day she knew her body couldn’t take it anymore she quit with no forward plan she waited for god. She got a new job where she was sitting until she retired. Read more>>

Saleha Mahmud-Ritter

What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career? Maybe you can share a story (or stories) that illustrate the things they did right and the impact they had on you and your journey

I grew up in a Pakistani family. My father was in the Pakistani air force and my mother was a medical resident in Pakistan. Being a part of the Pakistani air force is considered a highly coveted and respected position in Pakistan. Not many people who apply get the position of being fighter pilot. Yet my dad was one of the few in his class who made the cut. He was set for a cushy life, as the military division in Pakistan is very well taken care of. The officers and their families have housing, servants, drivers and cooks. Coming from humble beginnings, this was a huge move up for my dad. Read more>>

Rachael Sage

I had very academically minded parents who definitely pushed me to get good grades and always do my best – but more importantly they also taught me the virtual of making mistakes, owning up to them, telling the truth and having integrity.

When I was a little kid once I spilled a bunch of watercolor paints on the floor in my moms room and I was admittedly very nervous I’d “get in trouble” but to her enormous credit, she used it as a teaching moment about spontaneity in art and told me the colors and water spilling had created modern art, it was beautiful, she was proud of how “sophisticated” my painting was – and she proceeded to frame it and put it on my bedroom wall! Read more>>

Mehjabin Majid

My parents have always kept it real with me, never promising more than reality, but always encouraging me to appreciate what I already have. A quote by Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right,” echoes my dad’s advice: start by accepting you might fail, but try anyway, because the outcome might just surprise you. That mindset has shaped the way I approach challenges and define success. Read more>>

Landen Buckson

A message my parents emphasized to me growing up, especially when it came to school, was to do my best and to be happy with the results, recognizing my actions are the only things in my control. This message wasn’t only about being content with my actions; it was also how they communicated to me that I should always put 100% effort into everything that I do. My ambition is rooted in this belief, and my ambition is what empowers me to go the extra mile in my creative process. As a result of this core belief my parents instilled in me, I’ve reached goals I had never envisioned before, and I’ve been in spaces I never thought would be attainable. If I had the chance to speak to myself even 5 years ago, my younger self would be shocked. My creative talents, paired with my drive to always do my best, have empowered me to visually capture the stories and emotions of so many people, film over 75 musical artists in their element, and share unique concepts that carry messages I want to convey to the world. Read more>>

Robin Amber Vadehra

My parents are truly incredible. They’ve always been unwavering in their support of my life choices, even when those choices meant stepping into unfamiliar territory. In fact, they were some of the biggest voices encouraging me to take the leap into photography when I was nervous to leave the security of my former career. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself. Read more>>

LaQwin Chapman

Growing up, my mom made sure my life was full—and I mean full. From sports and karate to piano, violin, media team, Boy Scouts, church choir—you name it, I was in it. All of this was stacked on top of school and homework, and there were days I’d literally fall asleep in the car, parked right in front of our house. My days often started at 5am and didn’t end until well past midnight.

She never allowed me to quit, no matter how tired or frustrated I was. And believe me, as a kid missing out on parties and hanging with friends, I did not see the point. But she always told me, “Fun will always be there.” What I didn’t realize at the time was that she was building something in me far more valuable than short-term fun—she was instilling work ethic, time management, and discipline. Read more>>

Olivia Wilks

Growing up, I was raised by a single mother as my father was absent and was struggling with many personal issues. Despite wearing many hats and juggling between multiple jobs such as overnights at the hospital and cleaning dentist/lawyer’s offices in the day to make ends meet, my mother managed to instill many values into me. Read more>>

Lisa Meade Romero

My parents were an amazing example of the motto I have adopted in my life, #findawaymakeaway – which has never let me down. They were kids having kids, and never did we want for necessities, yet we learned that extras were extras. They were great examples of hard work, dedication and adaptability. Although they may not have had a college degree, their dedication allowed them to have

Quite often, we are met with what would appear as roadblocks to slow us down or force us to think, “is this what I am supposed to be doing?” Based on my upbringing, I don’t really encounter that voice much. I instead hear, “If you want it bad enough and work hard enough, you can make it happen.” Read more>>